Leyland National 88 (Read 2,309 times)

[transit]

…just as the new modellers section opens , how appropriate that today sees the general release by EFE , of the model of SYPTE’s “The Kneeling National” , Leyland National 88 – JDT 438N , which all came about due to a serious frontal accident when only a few months old , and its subsequent repair in Central Works , led to the discovery that the hydraulic front suspension could be raised or lowered with the flick of a switch in the cab, which led to the groundbreaking development which started the whole “lowered step” and “split-step” developments of the late 70’s throughout the PTE. So proud was the management that it was specially emblazoned with special signage ect before leaving CW.
The bus was subsequently paraded to local press ,and even went down to London to the BBC studios one Thursday ,and featured on that days live programmes of Blue Peter and Tommorows World ! - Became quite a local celebrity at the time ! but alas never got saved for preservation.

As regards the model , there are only a couple of minor faults …

1 - rear destination applied , which it didn’t have .
2 - rear reg plate should be square and central beside the grille .
3 - Should have black fleetname on the rear panel.
4 - the side fleetnames should be directly in line with the window panel

Plus points …
1- correct double decker size flying duck logo (lot smaller for single decks)
2- correct one-off black fleetnames (standard was brown)
3- red bumpers to symbolise “kneeling” front step . Subsequent Nationals also had their bumpers painted red after conversion.

So there you have it ! - All in all an excellent model and welcome addition to your collection if you save any local models !

[transit]

...the above post should have gone into the new Modellers section - HELP !!!!!

[andyrad]

got my EFE National 88 today! well pleased with it

[busman3]

Father Christmas is bringing mine

[andyrad]

Just noticed the rear fleetnumber is in the wrong place too if you want to be picky!

[Deleted]

I got mine today. A definite piece of local transport history.

[transit]

....as thankfull as we are for finally doing a SYPTE vehicle again at long last !(10+ years? - Britbus Metropolitan ?) , i do wish i had sent them this pic so they got the rear something like !.....



...as previuosly mentioned note the side fleetnames directly central under the window panel .... and note the City Clipper board frame above - and at the back , square reg plate - no rear destination - black fleetname....

[Deleted]

The last SYPTE model was the Metropolitan decker made by Britbus.

[transit]

...thats what i said just above my pic ... around 10 years ago?

[andyrad]

Nov 5, 2010 20:20:40 GMT transit said:

....as thankfull as we are for finally doing a SYPTE vehicle again at long last !(10+ years? - Britbus Metropolitan ?) , i do wish i had sent them this pic so they got the rear something like !.....



...as previuosly mentioned note the side fleetnames directly central under the window panel .... and note the City Clipper board frame above - and at the back , square reg plate - no rear destination - black fleetname....

Picture of the rear of the model for comparison....



I also have the model of Mk2 National 26, how accurate was that one, anyone got a picture of the rear of the real 26?

[captainsharpe1]

IIRC the KWA-Ws had the number plate on the n/s of the engine door and no destination blinds at the rear. They did not have the lense for reversing in the window either (what would health & safety say about using that these days!).

[transit]

...not so much the rear Andy on 26 - more like the problem being the whole front end !!!!
IT should have the more rounded Mk2 facelifted front , whereas EFE just rehashed the MK1 and retampoed over the front !
Same basic Mk1 version throughout the whole range , with long pod , short pod , or no pod ! - everyone is wondering why they did not make a remasted MK2 font end as the National has been one of the most popular of EFE models over 20 years!
For those who want to make it look right , a front end panel and windscreen is available , and rivets!!!!.....

[captainsharpe1]

I was always unimpressed with EFEs efforts on the National 2-especially the slot on the roof on b-series models without the pod and the lack of proper detail and those awfull painted on back lights.

[ateam]

Nov 19, 2010 18:38:10 GMT @captainsharpe1 said:

IIRC the KWA-Ws had the number plate on the n/s of the engine door and no destination blinds at the rear. They did not have the lense for reversing in the window either (what would health & safety say about using that these days!).

I often wondered about these as I trundled round Stocksbridge on Tracky's Nationals as a young 'un, was that lens at all effective?

[transit]

...yes as i mentioned , the front end was the fairly flat mk1 tampoed over with mk2 blacked out lights and grille , trying to pass off as a mk2 !
Dont forget the mk1 facelift when the front panel and rear sides, gained some louvres ...